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Like many homeowners during thunderstorm season, you might be asking “how do I protect my roof from summer storms?” Aside from the heat, we also need to deal with storms during the summer. You need to prepare your home. Why? Because these storms cause strong winds and heavy rains that could wreak some serious havoc on your roof. The roof serves as your first and last line of defense against extreme weather. For that reason, you need to make sure it can withstand the strongest of storms. The goal is to prevent water and property damage.
The first thing you need to do is to inspect your roof. Look for leaks inside the house, and watch out for damaged shingles from the outside. Also check the exterior features of your roof for damage. This includes your chimney, vents, skylights, fascia, and soffit.
If you are not able to conduct a full inspection, you can ask a roofing company to do a professional assessment on the current state of your roof. Doing so allows you to spot problems early on and have them fixed. That way, your roof will be 100% able to protect you when the next storm rolls in.
The second step is to clean your gutters. Your gutters won’t be able to successfully divert rainwater away from your house if they are clogged. To ensure that water comes off easily from your roof during a heavy downpour, remove fallen leaves, loose asphalt granules, and other debris from your gutters. You also need to trim the trees on your property to prevent branches from falling on your roof in the event of a heavy storm.
Secure exterior furnishings in the event of a storm. Your patio furniture, hammock, flower pots, external lights, and many more should be secured in their place or be brought inside so as not to damage your property.
The last – and most important – step is to call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 888-0258. Any small problem – a small leak, a torn shingle, or a broken skylight – can turn into a bigger one if left unattended. Hiring a roofer will save you money in the long run because you’ll have a roof above your head that can withstand extreme summer storms.
Do you see water stains coming from your attic that extend across your ceilings and run down on your walls? These are obviously major signs that you have a leaky roof. It is imperative that you have your roof inspected and these leaks repaired immediately. But, why is a leaky roof dangerous?
Even if it does not bother you too much or if you’re already planning a home renovation down the road, a small leak can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. It could lead to rotted framing and wall materials, as well as damaged insulation and ceilings.
That should answer the question, “why is a leaky roof dangerous?” If you notice any of these signs, hire a roofing contractor to diagnose then fix the issue. If the leaks are big, don’t try to fix it on your own. There’s only so much you can do to manage the situation, and a professional roofing expert can have the leak repaired more quickly than you do.
To prevent leaks from happening, you should have your roof inspected at least twice a year, preferably before the start of heating and cooling seasons (fall and spring).
Doing this will ensure that your roof stays in good shape. It will help you get small problems addressed quickly, and prevent potential big problems from happening.
Leaky roofs never fix themselves, nor do they get better on their own. Postponing the repair work for later will only make the problem worse, the labor more intensive, and the repair more expensive.
A roof leak can cause a huge inconvenience to your household. If you are in need of leak repair, please call Chattanooga Roofing Co. at (423) 888-0258 for more information.
When was the last time you inspected your roof for damage? If you don’t know the last time, or worse, you haven’t inspected it at all, this spring would be a good time to do so. We will describe the 5 signs your roof is damaged.
Keep on reading to find out if your roof has damage – and if you’ll need the help of a roofing contractor.
If you see stains running along the ceiling and walls of your house, you need to have your roof checked. If left untreated, these small stains could lead to bigger problems over time such as rotting framing, destroyed insulation, and weaker foundation structure.
After checking for stains and leaks, go outside and check the shingles on your roof. Are all of them still lying flat on the roof? Have you noticed some shingles that appear cracked, loose, or maybe missing? Have you seen some asphalt granules on your downspouts? If so, you’ll need the help of a professional to replace these shingles.
Roof flashing is a piece of metal that protects the area around chimneys, vents, and skylight windows. It redirects water away and prevents moisture from growing in these structures. Check your flashing for cracks or corrosion. If it has been damaged, you’ll need to have it replaced with one that is made of sturdier materials.
Rainy weather and humid days can cause algae, moss, and lichens to grow exponentially in your roof. These can also create health problems for the family, attract pests, and make your roof unsightly. In addition, ask a roofing expert to come over and clean the roof as soon as possible to minimize the damage and staining.
If there are rodents in the attic, there could be a gaping hole in the roof that allows these pests to enter. Lay out animal traps to find out their entry and exit points, then seal them. If the infestation is extensive, you’ll need the help of a pest control company.
If you suspect your roof has damage call Chattanooga Roofing Co. at (423) 443-4174.
Now that spring is here, expect the annual flooding of pollen all over your property. Are you wondering is it important to keep pollen off my roof? Don’t be surprised if your roof and siding get suddenly covered in yellowish dust.
When it comes to spring cleaning, most homeowners neglect the roof above their heads. That is because removing pollen from one’s roof is not a spring activity most people look forward to doing.
Unfortunately, pollen can cause health hazards, unsightly stains, and costly roofing issues that could have been easily prevented in the first place.
Aside from closing your doors and windows and installing HEPA filters, you also need to have your roof checked by a professional roofing contractor. This way, they can check if your roof has become an entry point for pollen. The contractor will make sure that the attic insulation and air vents have been properly installed and functioning properly.
You can rely on rain and time to help remove pollen build-up. But if there’s huge amounts of it, it may be time to get up on the roof and remove the pollen. However, there’s a risk of getting injured while you’re up there if it’s a steep roof or you’re less mobile than you used to be. In that case, you’d be better off leaving the cleanup to the roofing professionals.
If your roof has been retaining more pollen than usual because of pitting or curled shingles, then it may be time to have it replaced. Old, decaying asphalt roofs are more likely to catch allergens as they age. Check with your local roofer to see if your roof is up for a replacement, or if they can still do repairs.
Spring is definitely the worst time of year for pollen to collect on your home, especially on your roof.
Removing pollen from your roof may help lessen your allergy symptoms, which is why you should make roofing maintenance a part of your spring cleaning checklist.
To learn more about our spring maintenance services, please contact Chattanooga Roofing Company. Just call us at (423)-401-2448 today.
Are you wondering what the signs your roof needs to be replaced are? Can you tell if your roof even needs a replacement? Sometimes, the signs are obvious, like having a huge gaping hole in the middle of your attic. Other times, the signs are subtle, and you’ll need to delve deeper and seek the help of a roofing professional to determine if you need a roof replacement.
Read on to discover some signs to watch out for when it comes to your roofing system.
An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts for 20 years, while a metal roof will have a longer lifespan. If your roof is more than 20 years old, consider getting a roof inspection for damage that remains undetected.
Have you noticed leaks, water spots, sagging parts, and rotting tiles? These are signs that your roof has been rotting from the inside for quite some time.
If you see any curling or broken shingles on the top of the roof, it might be time for a replacement. In addition, if you spot granules from the gutter, that means you have loose shingles. Your roof is vulnerable from the outside. Any damage will lead to further damage and roof decay if you don’t replace the shingles. If just a couple of shingles are damaged, replacing them is easy. However, if the damage is widespread, then it’s time for a replacement.
If you have ridges of ice forming at the edge of your roof at the gutters, that means the ventilation of your roofing system is compromised. The pressure coming from the ice can damage the inner layers of the roof and if this goes untreated, it’s only a matter of time before water can seep inside the house.
If your roof is really old and has corroded flashing, it can be a weak spot that will allow water to penetrate. For that reason, consider having the flashing replaced with a new metal flashing system.
If you spot dark or green streaks, then algae or moss is present. Excessive growth of these two means moisture is present and can also cause the shingles to deteriorate.
What should you do if you spot any of these signs?
Chattanooga Roofing Company can provide you with a thorough assessment of your roof to see if it can still be repaired. In addition, we can let you know if it needs a complete overhaul. Just call us at (423) 401-2448 to book a service appointment!
Have you been doing a spot check of your asphalt shingle roof and noticed some dark streaks all over it? It could be a combination of many things — accumulated dirt, damaged shingles, or mold. You may be wondering why your roof looks dark and how to prevent it. Let’s look into this a bit more, and hopefully you’ll know how to fix it when this article is done.
More often than not, the culprit is actually a blue-green algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma. The spores of this algae are airborne and can be carried over to your roof by heavy and strong winds. The crushed limestone filler used in your asphalt roof will serve as their main food source. The hot and humid summer experienced in the southeastern part of the US will also contribute to the algae’s growth.
Although the algae won’t harm your roof in any way, its presence could be a major eyesore to an otherwise cozy home. This algae begins as small spots on your roof, but if left unattended, the spots become long streaks of monstrosity.
We’ve talked about why your roof looks dark, and how to prevent it is next up. To prevent this algae from marring your home, you can ask your roofing contractor to choose an algae-resistant roof if you are in the process of a roof replacement.
However, if your existing roof has already been affected by this algae, there are lots of chemical cleaning agents that can be used.
Take note that there will be risks involved in cleaning your own roof. Going the DIY route could void your roof warranty or homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, you may not have the right roof cleaning materials. You also might not have the spare time to clean. And, even if you do, you could end up hurting yourself in the process.
Cleaning your roof is better left in the hands of professionals. For a consulation about removing those ugly black streaks, please contact Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 401-2448 today.
If your roof is getting on in age or has not been maintained for quite a while, we recommended that you inspect it for damage. Doing so prevents the problem from worsening and saves you from spending lots of $$ in repair. But in order to do so, you have to know what are the problem areas of your roof.
Here are the top 4 areas you need to watch.
The fascia is a piece of trim that runs along the edge of a roof to create a more smooth, polished appearance and to protect the edge from the weather elements.
A soffit is placed underneath the eaves to keep moisture away from the rafters.
Both of these could be potential problem areas so inspect them regularly and look for holes and cracks where moisture and pests can come through.
Roof flashing is made of galvanized steel and helps seal your roofing system by directing water away from critical areas of the roof such as chimneys, vents, and skylights.
However, it could get torn down by a strong wind or get oxidized in the long run. Damaged flashing can cause moisture to come inside the roof seams and cause water leaks.
A gutter collects rainwater down through a downspout and diverts it away from a home’s foundation. If you don’t maintain it well, your gutter could clog. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can all contribute to that clog. If the load becomes too heavy, the gutter could pull away and separate from the rest of your home.
Shingles make your roof easy on the eyes. They also serve as another protective layer for the underlayment and other parts of your roofing system. However, high winds can pry these shingles apart and extremely hot weather may cause them to curl or loosen up.
If you spot any damage within these areas, make sure to call a roofing contractor so they can be fixed right away. Chattanooga Roofing Company is here to answer any questions at (423) 888-0258.
When making plans for a roof replacement, you need to decide on the contractor. In addition, you must choose the type of roofing system to install, project timelines, and budget. However, there’s one thing that you won’t be able to control, and that’s the weather. Replacing your roof in the rain can be a pain.
You can’t accurately predict the weather even if you monitor all the weather bulletins. You also can’t tell if it’s going to rain or shine once you start on your roofing project
Unfortunately, rain can negatively impact your ongoing roof construction. Bu you also don’t have to let it dampen your enthusiasm for the project.
Most professional roofers schedule their jobs during pleasant weather. It makes sense, because rain can badly affect the installation or repair they’re doing.
Asphalt shingles do not adhere well to the surface when wet. Additionally, most of the inner portions of a roofing system can suffer in wet weather. Damp internal structure could affect the performance of the roof in the long run.
There’s also the possibility that you could void your warranty. It’s a fact that most manufacturers require installation of their products in specific conditions. If these conditions aren’t met, it will risk the validity of your warranty. A slick rooftop will also put your workers at risk and can lead to further damage to your home.
This reminder also goes out to people who are planning to DIY their roof. If you’re still planning to push through with the replacement of the roof in the middle of the rain, we strongly discourage you to do this.
You might save on install or repair costs. However, it could actually prove more costly if the roof is improperly installed or if you encounter an accident while on the roof. Even if you’re just planning to inspect a roof leak and nothing else, wait for better weather conditions before going up to the roof.
Leave the roof replacement to the hands of professionals who know what they’re doing. Contact Chattanooga Roofing today at (423) 799-2173 to start your roof replacement project.
With winter just around the corner, it’s not just people who are heading indoors and looking for warmth. Pests are looking also for homes where they can hibernate during the colder months. That means you need to know how to prevent pests in your attic.
Once they invade your home, these pests can expose your family to diseases and bring destruction to your attic by gnawing through your wiring, insulation, and aluminum siding. They will reproduce and multiply, making them harder to remove from your home.
Instead of hiring a professional pest control company, you can go for the cheaper route and implement these steps to prevent pests from using your attic as their nest. Make your home difficult for them to break in, and they’ll go somewhere else.
Overhanging branches provide an entry point for pests that ordinarily wouldn’t have access to your home. Other forms of foliage like bushes and vines can also be used by animals to cross over to your attic. So pull out those shears and trim your garden to prevent pests from coming in.
An opening the size of a nickel is enough for a pest to squeeze through, so check if there are gaps within your roofing system. You can prevent them from entering by using a chimney cap and installing wire mesh on vents. Also check for damaged shingles, cladding, and gutters. Determine if your attic window screens are still in good condition.
If you discover your roofing system has been damaged at such a point that pests can freely come and go, you can contact a roofing company to have it fixed and cleaned up.
Pests enter homes to forage for food, so keep it clean at all times. Make sure that your garbage is collected frequently, and that your containers have tight-fitting lids. Leave just enough food for your pets, because what’s left over could serve as fodder for pests. Also remove water from fountains and bird baths as pests gravitate toward a water source.
Make it a habit to frequently clean your attic, and use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage. Cardboard is another food source by many pests.
Inspect the attic for openings where animals can go through. Check for small cracks under your doors and windows, and seal cracks with silicone-based caulk or steel wool.
If you’re having problems with pests in your attic contact Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 799-2173 for a consultation with one of our experts.
If your roof is starting to fall apart, you’ve got to replace it sometime soon. And fall may be the best time to have it repaired or replaced by a professional roofing company. But why is fall a good time to replace your roof? What makes this season ideal?
A roof is best replaced during a clear day, when the weather allows the shingles’ seal strips to melt and adhere properly. Shingles become more difficult to work with during hot and cold weather. In addition, humid weather and freezing temperatures cause the shingles to need more time to set and form an airtight barrier.
For this reason, you need to have your roofing project done now before temperatures start to drop. By getting it done in the fall, the shingles will have more than enough time to bond to the roof. You’ll be ready before wintry weather arrives.
The weather is also more forgiving during fall. Spring and summer can bring heavy thunderstorms, while winter brings cold weather. These conditions can make it difficult for the roofer to get the job done right away.
Your roof took a major beating from the sun during summer. You may be able to spot the occasional loose shingle. However, damaged flashing, chimney, or eaves can be harder to spot and may need the help of a professional. Fall is the ideal time to have your roof inspected to determine if a repair or replacement is in order.
If you have existing damage to your roof, the coming winter storms and the weight of snowfall will only exacerbate the problem. For that reason, act right away. That way, once the winter weather rolls in, you won’t have to worry about leaks and ice dams. Your loved ones will remain cozy, warm, and comfortable inside – despite the cold weather. And you may also get to save on heating costs.
So when is the best time to replace your roof? The best time is now, while you still can. Don’t put off the replacement because your problems could get worse. If you do, you might end up having to pay a whole lot more.
To get started on a roof replacement for your home, please contact Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 888-0258 for a consultation with an expert.